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Job Description:Purpose: The Project Engineer role is responsible for leadership of product development projects from a technical point of view, with further responsibility for product performance analysis, design validation and collaboration with manufacturing regarding design for manufacturability for the KineticoPRO® filtration center of excellence in Suwanee, GA. Product development is focused on several key water filtration platforms in the commercial filtration market.
Key Areas of Responsibilities:
Leads technical product development projects from a design and engineering perspective.
Develops 2D/3D models and prints using SolidWorks.
Designs components, sealing members, interfaces, structural members, and systems utilizing drinking-water compatible materials.
Performs Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis on product designs to ensure manufacturability, field performance, and meets marketing / customer requirements.
Develops low-cost proof of concept prototypes, performs structural testing and incorporates learnings to optimize the cost, feasibility, and performance of the designs.
Applies a “decision by data” approach and seeks ways to identify simple and economic means to gather and document product performance.
Engages manufacturing / operations and proposes cost reduction or yield enhancement opportunities tied to design or assembly operations. Drives changes to enhance value / performance / and reduce labor cost.
Collaborates with suppliers to ensure components are manufactured to design and performance expectation. Is willing to alter the design for reduced cost and enhanced manufacturability while keeping the design intent vision and product performance outcome intact.
Participates in formal design reviews, DFM / DFA activities, and automation design.
Leads / manages projects on a day-to-day basis towards agreed upon completion dates.
Key Performance Indicators:
Proficiency of designing components, assemblies, and understanding the interactions of components in a product design.
Thorough understanding of plastics, metals, fabrication processes, elastomers, and associated manufacturing processes.
Ability to collaborate, influence and build relationships across capabilities, channels and business units.
Effective management of multiple projects and deadlines.
Identifies areas of opportunity for cost reduction, platform optimization and recommends areas for product performance enhancements.
Key Challenges and Decisions:
This position will continue to build the cornerstone of the Suwanee operation’s product development capability.
Reviewing all existing product for proper performance, making enhancements to improve performance, and documenting and implementing the changes will be the initial focus of the role.
Job Knowledge, Skills, and Experience:
Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, preferably Mechanical.
5+ years of experience in designing highly reliable products, for mass production. Experience with water filtration products is a plus.
Experience with engaging other functions within the organization to create project scope documents.
Understanding and ability to prescribe various product testing and validation methodologies.
Direct experience using SolidWorks to create 3D models and 2D drawings.
Understanding of and ability to perform tolerance stack-up calculations.
Understanding of seal design, injection molding, and metal machining / fabrication.
Excellent collaboration and communication skills in order to manage multiple customers and stakeholders
Leadership skills and collaborative work style
Strong analytical, problem solving and project management skills
Strong attention to detail and ability to multi-task
10% travel required
Organizational Context:
The Project Engineer role reports to the Sr. Director Technology / Product Development for the commercial marketplace. This role collaborates with all technical functions as well as the sales, marketing, management and IT capabilities across the Suwanee operation as well as throughout the Kinetico organization.
Our Commitment and Difference:
Founded in 1970, Kinetico was started by two engineers who pioneered the development of non-electric, fully automatic water treatment systems. Evolving from the Tangent Company, a small consulting design firm, Kinetico soon became a global organization of independent dealers, international distributors representing nearly 100 countries. Through the dedication of its founders, employees and distribution network, Kinetico has experienced tremendous success. The company has grown from a two-man, creative undertaking into a strong and dynamic organization.
Innovative technology and a strong commitment to customer satisfaction have distinguished the company and positioned Kinetico as a leader in today’s ever-changing water treatment industry manufacturing water softeners, along with a wide range of systems that improve water quality for general use, as well as those that provide high-quality drinking water for consumption. Kinetico products are Third Party certified to confirm quality and performance and complimented by the most comprehensive warranties in the industry.
Kinetico is part of the Axel Johnson Group of companies, a global organization and fifth generation company that continues to be successful in developing leading businesses.
Kinetico Incorporated is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, veteran status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status or disability (in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act*), or any other legally protected status, with respect to employment opportunities.
E-Verify: We verify the identity and employment authorization of individuals hired for employment in the United States.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, preferably Mechanical Engineering
- 5+ years of experience designing highly reliable products for mass production
- Experience creating project scope documents with cross-functional teams
- Understanding of product testing and validation methodologies
- Direct experience using SolidWorks to create 3D models and 2D drawings
- Understanding of tolerance stack-up calculations
- Understanding of seal design, injection molding, and metal machining or fabrication
- Excellent collaboration and communication skills
- Leadership skills and a collaborative work style
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills
- Strong attention to detail and ability to multitask
- Experience with water filtration products
What We Do
Founded in 1970, Kinetico designs and manufactures precision-engineered water treatment solutions, including non-electric water softeners, filtration systems, and products that improve water quality for homes and businesses. The company serves customers through independent dealers and international distributors in nearly 100 countries. As part of Axel Johnson Group, Kinetico focuses on science, innovation, quality service, and customized solutions for dependable, healthy drinking and household water.
